DHS Gold Arc 8 vs Yasaka Mark V: Which Should You Buy?
| DHS Gold Arc 8 | Yasaka Mark V | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| best_side | forehand or backhand | both |
| control | medium-high | 9.5 |
| speed | high | 8.4 |
| spin | high | 8.5 |
| sponge_hardness | 47.5 deg (also a 50 deg version), ESN scale | medium (around 43 degrees ESN) |
| type | non-tacky high-elastic ESN tensor, inverted | inverted |
| weight_uncut_g | 69 | 47 |
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Learn more.
The DHS Gold Arc 8 is a non-tacky high-elastic ESN tensor with high spin, high control and a balanced offensive feel that works on both forehand and backhand. The Yasaka Mark V is a classic inverted rubber with class-leading control and ball placement, forgiving low spin sensitivity and excellent long-lasting consistency, but lower outright speed and below-average spin with a flat trajectory.
In style, the Gold Arc 8 is the more offensive and spinnier sheet, with easy looping at short to mid distance and superb blocking that drops off at long range. The Mark V is the control and feel specialist, versatile across levels but needing a faster blade to finish points, with weak passive blocking and noticeably worse performance with modern plastic balls.
Choose the Gold Arc 8, the higher-rated rubber at around 8.4, if you want a spinny, controllable looping rubber on either wing with more offense. Pick the Mark V if you are a beginner or developing player wanting maximum control while building technique, or a value-focused all-rounder who prizes feel, consistency and a long-lasting, forgiving rubber over raw tensor speed.
FAQ
Which rubber generates more spin?
The Gold Arc 8 generates more spin, rated high, while the Mark V has below-average spin with a flat trajectory that does not bite the ball on loops.
Which is better for a beginner building technique?
The Mark V is excellent for that, with class-leading control and forgiving low spin sensitivity. The Gold Arc 8 is more offensive and its bounce needs solid technique to tame.
Which lasts longer?
The Mark V is known for excellent consistency and a very long lifespan, while the Gold Arc 8 has mixed durability reports with faster wear for heavy users.
How do they handle modern plastic balls?
The Mark V was designed for celluloid balls and performs noticeably worse with modern plastic balls, whereas the Gold Arc 8 is a modern tensor suited to current play.